Functionalized-carbon nanotube supported electrocatalysts and buckypaper-based biocathodes for glucose fuel cell applications

The preparation and testing for electrocatalytic activity of functionalized carbon nanotube (f-CNT) supported Pt and Au–Pt nanoparticles (NPs), and bilirubin oxidase (BOD), are reported. These materials were utilized as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) cathode electrocatalysts in a phosphate buffer solution (0.2 M, pH 7.4) at 25 °C, in the absence and presence of glucose. Carbon monoxide (CO) stripping voltammetry was applied to determine the electrochemically active surface area (ESA). The ORR performance of the Pt/f-CNTs catalyst was high (specific activity of 80.9 μA cmPt−2 at 0.8 V vs. RHE) with an open circuit potential within ca. 10 mV of that delivered by state-of-the-art carbon supported platinum catalyst and exhibited better glucose tolerance. The f-CNT support favors a higher electrocatalytic activity of BOD for the ORR than a commercially available carbon black (Vulcan XC-72R). These results demonstrate that f-CNTs are a promising electrocatalyst supporting substrate for biofuel cell applications.

Graphical abstract. The electrocatalytic reduction of molecular oxygen by functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes decorated with Pt nanoparticles was investigated. This catalyst film showed an excellent performance for the reduction of O2 to H2O.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The electrocatalytic performance of Pt/f-CNTs was high at as compared to carbon supported platinum catalyst, exhibiting a better glucose tolerance. ► The f-CNT support also favors a higher biocatalytic activity of BOD towards the oxygen reduction reaction compared to a commercially available carbon black support. ► These results demonstrate that f-CNTs are promising support substrates for biofuel cell applications.